Foreign language learning in later life
Definitions
Young vs. old
Neurocognitive aspect
Social aspect
Future of the field
Several different concepts, hard to grasp
Decreased opportunity to practice the FL
Reasons for LG learning in later life
Mature people emigrate, have kids in that country who often don't speak their parent's mother tongue therefore the grandparents are unable to communicate with their grandchildren
The growth of mobility across the world induced a demand for L2 knowledge
e.g.:
Age of retirement
Some put it between ages 50 and 75
Others refer to people who are 60 years old or above
Another point of view is that it's the time before serious disability emerges
Also, ‘healthy, motivated individuals no longer working full-time’
Chronological age does not determine it rather the social distinctions, psychological and the individual components
There are structural and functional differences in the brain between the two groups
Older learners
Way more difference between each learner, several causes
Declined cognitive capacity
e.g.:
Slower processing speed
Working memory capacity is decreased
Decreased ability of learning and recalling new information
Longer reaction time
Reduction of attention
Weakening auditory functions may cause problems
BUT
The brain compensates
There are mechanisms that make place for a higher level of cognitive functioning in spite of the structural decline
Also, bilingual experience influences neuroplasticity
Outmatch younger learners in lexical access tests
Tend to be more accurate when using less frequent words
Are equally good, or sometimes even better, at learning and generalising L2 phonotactics
Show tendencies of having greater lexical repertoires and richer concerning semantical knowledge
A theory says that experience promotes insensitivity towards a considerable amount of background context
Bilingualism
LG learning is more efficient
The brain is more resilient to pathology
Their brain is in a better condition than their monolingual peers of the same age
Some hypothesise that learning a new language is an effective tool in preventing the reduction of cognitive functioning
Low self-confidence and coping potential
Language anxiety
We can state that they study out of intrinsic motivation
Negative age stereotypes may hinder their LG learning
They can maintain their self-confidence if they are able to compare themselves to other older adults instead of their younger counterparts
Benefits
Use learning strategies much more effectively
e.g.:
Promotes healthy and active aging
Supports neural plasticity
Regulates attentional functions
Growth of working memory
Addresses socio-affective issues
Many questions yet to be answered
Need to conduct more representative research
Teaching additional languages
Worth considering
Core learning principles
Previous experience
Learner beliefs
Being ready to learn
Attitude towards learning and motivation
Have clear reasons why they are studying
Individual and situational differences
Differences of subject and matter
Situational differences
Individual differences
Goals and purposes for learning
Helpful asset to coordinate effort and direction learning process